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On Friday, students from various educational institutions in Texas held three demonstrations to protest against political interference in their schools, rallying under the slogan “Hands Off Our Youth.” The protests were organized amid rising tensions in higher education, where conservative pressures threaten to eliminate diverse voices and programs. Farah Saba and Kyra Newton, high school seniors, led a march from Huston-Tillotson University to the Capitol, emphasizing the need for access to education. “We want access to our education, whatever education that we want to have,” Newton said. The protests also targeted a deal proposed by the Trump administration that could compromise academic independence in exchange for federal funding.

 

Austin American-Statesman

Gov.Greg Abbott has launched his reelection campaign with a focus on significant property tax relief for Texans. "Local governments must live within their own means – just like you have to live within your means," Abbott said at a Houston rally. His plan includes allowing voters to abolish property taxes that fund public schools, capping property appraisal growth at 3%, and requiring two-thirds voter approval for tax increases. Critics, including former Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, warn that removing property taxes could lead to increased reliance on sales taxes, which may disproportionately affect low-income residents.

 

Longview News-Journal

Texas' new cellphone ban in schools has resulted in fewer distractions and increased student interaction, according to district leaders. David Figlio, an economics professor at the University of Rochester, said, “I think you can expect to see improved learning environments, probably a little bit better test scores, a little bit better attendance rates and engagement.” The law, effective at the start of the school year, prohibits phone use during school hours, including lunch and passing periods. Arlington ISD's superintendent, Matt Smith, noted that teachers are spending less time managing distractions, allowing students to engage more with each other. Research indicates that cellphone bans can lead to academic improvements over time, with Figlio's study showing modest gains in test scores and attendance in districts that have implemented similar policies.

 

Star-Telegram

Pearland ISD is considering an incentive pay program for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Advanced Placement (AP) teachers, pending approval at the board meeting today. The initiative aims to "positively affect student academic improvement, growth and achievement," according to board documents. If approved, PISD plans to allocate $250,000 from its general fund, with $200,000 designated for the AP merit pay program and $50,000 for the CTE program. The AP program's merit pay will be based on exam participation, passing rates, and individual student scores, while the CTE program will focus on increasing student participation in industry certifications.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Following the recent voter rejection of a tax increase, Hitchcock ISD is addressing concerns about its financial status. Interim Superintendent Darryl Henson stated: “There's a lot of misinformation and a misconception that the district is broke.” He clarified that the district's revenue is projected to exceed $20m, matching its expenses. The failed tax rate election, which aimed to boost funding for teacher salaries and classroom resources, has prompted the district to reassess its budget and maintain staffing levels. Henson emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline, noting that personnel costs account for over 80% of expenditures.

 

The Galveston County Daily News

Cy-Fair ISD is set to introduce three virtual learning options for students in grades four to five and nine to twelve for the 2026-27 academic year, as presented on November 6. The Virtual Pathways Program will offer full-time asynchronous learning through the Virtual Academy, partially remote Flex Learning for 11th and 12th graders, and tuition-based supplemental courses for high school students. Meredith Akers, Virtual Pathways Director, noted that the program was developed in response to a survey indicating that nearly 40% of parents desired flexible online learning.

 

Community Impact Newspaper

Crosby ISD is changing school start times due to a bus driver shortage, with plans to implement the changes in January. A parent survey revealed that 45% of respondents supported the later start, while 44% opposed it. Starting in January, middle school students will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:20 p.m., while high school students will start and finish five minutes earlier, and elementary students will start and end 15 minutes earlier.

 

KTRK-TV

Following the rejection of a proposed tax rate increase that would have alleviated Judson ISD's $37m budget gap, community members gathered to brainstorm budget cuts. "It's honesty time," said board president Monica Ryan, emphasizing that "everything is on the table." The defeat reflects broader challenges faced by local districts, with four out of five tax proposals in the San Antonio area failing. Judson ISD trustee Jose Macias mentioned that closing Judson Middle School could save approximately $1.7m, while overall cuts might reach $7.3m. Superintendent Milton Fields expressed disappointment but assured that the district would strive to minimize the impact on students.

 

Star-Telegram

After nearly 44 years in public education, Mike Waldrip, the superintendent of Frisco ISD, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2026. Serving as superintendent since 2017, Waldrip has significantly contributed to the district's growth by enhancing academic programs and expanding opportunities for students.

 

Allen American

Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Galveston ISD after the school board voted to not display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, which he claims violates Texas law. "America is a Christian nation, and it is imperative that we display the very values and timeless truths that have historically guided the success of our country," Paxton said. This legal action follows the board's decision to ignore Senate Bill 10, which mandates public schools to display the Ten Commandments. Paxton emphasized the state's commitment to enforcing this law and offered support to districts that comply.

 

Texas Border Business

Ontario's Bill 33 has sparked criticism in Durham Region for potentially undermining parental advocacy and local democracy in schools by allowing the education minister to appoint supervisors over school boards and override trustees. While the province cites financial mismanagement in five existing takeovers, critics argue the bill paves the way to eliminate elected trustees altogether, weakening accountability and community representation in education decisions. Trustees are an accessible source of information for parents and also advocate for issues such as bussing routes or additional support for children, commented Mary Fowler, president of the Durham Region Labour Council. School boards that have been taken over by the province “don’t have the same support in trying to navigate … what can sometimes be a very bureaucratic system,” she added. Last week, the province moved to fast-track Bill 33 by limiting debate and skipping the committee hearing stage. The bill is a “foregone conclusion” because of the majority government, but community members should still speak out against it, said Jennifer French, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oshawa. 

 

CBC News